An usually-shaped house, spectacular views and a price tag within the reach of many – three reasons why the Island of Gigalum is attracting interest, writes Susan Welsh
As Scotland has hundreds of islands, small and large, it’s rare but not unheard of to have a complete island come on to the market.
But what makes The Island of Gigalum stand out from the crowd is that as well as being a beautiful place which enjoys far-reaching scenic views to Gigha, Kintyre, Jura, Islay and Northern Ireland, it has a unique house.
Gigulam House has been designed around its centre which is a large octagonal-shaped lounge, from which there’s access to four wings, interspersed by large French double-glazed windows which means you can enjoy fine views, particularly of Arran to the east from here and the sunny decked area, as well as views of Kintyre Head, Cara and Rathlin to the south.
The comfortable and rustic-style house has been regularly maintained and has a good-sized kitchen, three bedrooms each with en suite facilities while the house also has an underground storage area.
The island, which is on the market at offers over £550,000, measures around 19.3 acres and sits off the south eastern tip of the Isle of Gigha to the West of the Kintyre Peninsula in the County of Argyll.
A jetty provides easy access to the nearby Isle of Gigha and the island of Cara.
There is a solid pier on the North Western coastline of the island and mooring lines are present to keep a boat in the lagoon to the north-east of Gigalum.
The sellers of Gigalum regularly use a pier and slipway on the Isle of Gigha and boats can be launched at Tayinloan to access Gigalum.
There’s a large range of vegetation present on the Island, including grassy areas, woodlands, rocky outcrops and heather cover.
The large shoreline has an interesting range of rock formations but it’s relatively easy to walk around the island.
Additional pathways have been created in the central part of the island linking the pier with Gigalum House which was built in 1980 and sits within a sheltered spot.
The island also attracts a range of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, otters and a range of birdlife while the waters which surround it offer great sea fishing opportunities – local fishermen fish for lobsters here.
Gigalum also incorporates rocky outcrops and two small islets just off Gigalum Island – namely Eilean nah-Uilinn and Corr Eilean.
Amenities and facilities can be found on Gigha including a hotel, general store/post office and a nine-hole public golf course. From here there’s a regular ferry Tayinloan on the Kintyre mainland.
From there, Campbeltown is 18 miles to the south and Tarbert 15 miles to the north.
Contact: Rettie & Co on call 0131 220 4160.